Nina A. Loasana, Jakarta – Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has tested positive for COVID-19 days after his deputy, Ahmad Riza Patria, was found to have the illness.

"This should serve as a warning that anyone can contract COVID-19, so we need to remain cautious," Anies said on Tuesday.

Anies underwent a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab test on Monday, according to a statement by the Jakarta administration. Meanwhile, Riza was tested on Friday.

The Jakarta Health Agency's contact tracing team said the deputy governor had most likely contracted COVID-19 from one of his private staffers, who had presumably caught the virus from a relative.

Anies said he and Riza would self-isolate for the next two weeks and would continue working remotely.

"We've gotten used to working virtually since April, so [the public] should not be worried that our productivity and other policy-making processes will be disrupted," he said.

Anies is the latest high-ranking official in the Jakarta administration to have contracted COVID-19.

In September, Jakarta administration secretary Saefullah also tested positive for COVID-19. He passed away a few days later from septic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) brought on by the virus.

According to data from the national COVID-19 task force, Jakarta has logged a total of 13,6861 confirmed cases and 2,660 deaths as of Monday. The Jakarta administration puts the figures at 10,112 active cases and 2,671 deaths.

Anies urged his administration to continue working hard to provide public services in his absence.

"However, the most important thing is to always prioritize your health and that of your family," he said.

Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/12/01/jakarta-governor-anies-baswedan-has-covid-19.htm